A Negative Attitude Accelerates Aging

By Annette Zeeb

The Arc of Florida along with The Arc Gateway sponsored the presentation, “Changing Role of the Caregiver” by Dr. Ronald Lucchino on June 11, 2015, at the Pollak Training Center in Pensacola.  Dr. Lucchino is a nationally recognized expert on Alzheimer’s disease and aging in individuals with developmental disabilities.  He dispelled the myth that all individuals with developmental disabilities experience pre-mature aging.  Only individuals with Down syndrome and cerebral palsy experience early aging changes and only 60 percent of adults with Down syndrome will have Alzheimer’s by age 60.

Sixty percent of adults with developmental disabilities are living with parents over the age of 40.  Some adult children with developmental disabilities are now taking on the role of taking care of their parents.  As caregivers’ age and their own medical needs increase, it becomes critical that a future plan for transition of care be developed.  The difference in morbidity between adults with developmental disabilities and the general population are the major disparities of access to timely recognition of healthcare issues, access to appropriate diagnosis or assessment and access to appropriate health care services.  There is a lack of physicians trained on the population with developmental disabilities.  Sometimes health issues are masked by behaviors that only attentive caregivers will recognize.

By the age of 70, the influence of lifestyle choices on aging increases to 70 percent.   Diet, physical exercise, mental exercise and having a positive attitude become critical.  A negative attitude accelerates aging. Having a safe environment also becomes critical to the aging process.  Home environment barriers include steps, lighting, fixtures, floor obstacles, bathroom (grab bars), and height of cupboards (too low or too high).

Disability and Health Program videos about health, physical activity, and healthy eating for persons with disabilities are available at www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/people-with-disabilities/disability-and-health-program/

The picture is Dr. Lucchino presenting to providers, staff, and individuals with their families.